Meet Andrew Steiner of Andrew Steiner Photography in Uptown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Steiner.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I learned about making images by watching my father, a commercial photographer, and from avidly reading and watching anything I could find about photography. I grew up in Rochester, NY, where I attended The Norman Howard School for students with learning disabilities. It was there that I had the opportunity to study photography with Bruce Bennett and found in photography a means to focus and communicate that transcended my ADHD and dyslexia. As a young photographer, or a young artist, we have visions of what “success” looks like. Although I consider myself ambitious, the definition of success has changed – it’s really about continuing to work and maintaining an active practice. I’m currently working on images for a solo exhibit at Rangefinder Gallery in February 2018.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think that in any kind of creative or entrepreneurial endeavor the path is full of uncertainty and the pursuit of this unknown destination requires grit and perseverance. The obvious challenges are money and time – there is never enough of either resource. My survival skills are hard-won: I value my time and am still learning to say “no” to projects or demands that are going to drain energy that should be reserved for my primary photography work. I’ve learned to trust my own ideas and decisions rather than seek approval from others. I try to surround myself with like-minded creative and collaborative people.

Andrew Steiner Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a documentary photographer, my work has an editorial feel whether I am working on a commercial shoot, a private event, or personal essay. I think my overall approach to photography connects the different projects. I’m always concerned with the humanity of the subject and interested allowing the subject to tell their own story. The act of photographing is an act of discovery. Part of my process is to remain open to people and places and what might spontaneously connect between me and the subject. When I am working, I would say I feel more like a conduit than a director of the situation. I know technically what my equipment can do and then it’s more about communicating authentically.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I moved to New Orleans for a brief period of time in the late 90’s. In an effort to make a go of it, I showed my work to a local photographer and through him was able to participate in an exhibit at the New Orleans Cultural Center. I couldn’t find a regular job, so it didn’t end up working out but that was pretty cool. I’ve received professional recognition on Burn. Magazine, an online photo magazine run by David Alan Harvey (a Magnum photographer and great supporter of emerging photographers). Right now, I am excited for the future and my upcoming solo show at Rangefinder Gallery, run by Dan Tamarkin (owner of Tamarkin Camera).

Pricing:

• Commercial Photography – $200/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: http://andrewsteinerphotography.com
• Phone: 773-793-4497
• Email: asteinerphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_steiner_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewSteinerPhotography/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/asteinerphoto

Image Credit:
All photos © Andrew Steiner Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.